"Holy overpay" "Absolute steal": NHL fans react to Lucas Raymond signing $64.6M Detroit Red Wings extension

Fans reacted as the Detroit Red Wings signed left winger Lucas Raymond to an eight-year, $64.6 million contract extension. The new deal for the 22-year-old carries an average annual value of $8.075 million.

Raymond has quickly developed into one of Detroit's core players after being drafted fourth overall in 2020. This past season, Raymond scored 31 goals and 72 points while playing all 82 games.

Red Wings fans have had mixed reactions to the contract extension on social media. Some believe that the team overpaid for the young forward, with one tweeting:

"Holy overpay"

Another noted:

"This is IT! Done with my season tickets. This team needs a GOALIE, this team does not need to spend $8 million per year on an unproven rookie just like they did with Larkin! This team is finished unless we find a true #1 dman and a starting Goalie," on X.

"He now makes almost double per game, than the average American makes for working their ass off for an entire year," a user wrote.

Others feel it's a bargain contract for a rising star like Raymond. Another fan called it:

"Absolute steal! Let's go!" for Detroit to lock up Raymond long-term at that price.

One fan highlighted the worth of the deal:

"That’s a solid deal. Have to wonder why it took Stevie Y so long to give him that when he’s well worth it." on X.

"It’s a great signing but it’s paying for his potential… which some of the contracts across the leagues for the younger players have been mind boggling… I can handle this one though… go Wings Go" one fan commented.

Raymond's signing comes hours after the Red Wings announced re-signing Jonatan Berggren to a one-year, $825,000 contract.

---

NHL analyst on Lucas Raymond's contract

As per NHL analyst Pierre LeBrun, Lucas Raymond's deal contains no signing bonuses and instead pays a flat salary throughout. Additionally, Raymond will have a 10-team no-trade clause that will kick in after four years.

It's a big win for GM Steve Yzerman and the Red Wings, locking up one of their core young players long-term. With Lucas Raymond signed, the Red Wings will now look to ink defender Moritz Seider to an extension as they continue building around their talented young core.